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When the theoretical becomes actual, it's a whole new ball game. Don't be scared, though. Even though the real-life version of your vision or fantasy is much more complex, daunting, and imperfect than the one living in your imagination—it's also real. It's worth tackling and accepting these things. It might not seem like it at first, but those complicating ripples are actually going to make this experience richer, more challenging, exciting, engaging, and ultimately better than if your fantasy had simply become reality exactly as you envisioned it. Of course, if you're too freaked, you'll miss out. You're not too freaked, are you?

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Placing blame is sometimes important, especially when it comes to someone taking responsibility for something they screwed up, and taking pains to keep it from happening again. However, much of the time pointing fingers accomplishes nothing and in fact creates a situation that's much less productive, enjoyable, and successful for everyone—including yourself. It's OK to figure out the root of the problem in your own head, but before you voice your conclusions, ask yourself if much (or any) good would come of such disclosure (which might come off more like accusations than anything else), then act accordingly.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Remember what's important. It's so easy to get caught up in others' perceptions, or the politics of a situation, and lose sight of what actually matters—mostly what's in your heart and what you do about it. Whether that's what someone else wants you to do is irrelevant (unless they have significant power over you, in which case you might not have much choice). Your job is to stay attuned to that inner voice that compels you to act in a way that feels right to you, and, at least to some extent, ignore anyone who tells you otherwise.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

There's a time to spend and a time to save. Sometimes hoarding what you've got is the smart thing to do, but often it doesn't do you much good—while spending it intelligently might prove fairly wonderful. This is one of those times when the benefits of wise, thoughtful expenditures will far outweigh the theoretical pluses of banking your cash. By "wise" and "thoughtful," I don't necessarily mean investments in your future (though those can qualify), but rather investments in your present. If you can greatly enhance your quality of life right now without severely diminishing your ability to enjoy it later, why shouldn't you?

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Being real doesn't mean letting it all hang out all the time. While being deceptive or dishonest is a bad idea, you can still be authentic without revealing everything about yourself at every turn. Be an open book, as you're inclined—that is, answer honestly any question asked, and offer any information that seems relevant to the situation at hand. Then shut up about the rest. Sure, you have nothing to hide, and you're pretty great overall. However, remember this: Wearing a little mystery can only add to your allure. This week, try it.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

It's generally a good idea to give someone else time to make up their mind, particularly if the decision is a weighty or tricky one. At some point, though, enough's enough, and it's time for them to come to some conclusion on the matter. If you think you're being at all hasty, consult with more than one friend you consider wise and successful in this area of life before you push the issue. Then, when you do, don't jump right into ultimatum mode, but gently begin the process of letting them know time is running out. Hopefully, Jeopardy! theme music won't be necessary, but if after a few weeks or months (depending on your patience) they still can't decide, you may have to accept that they'll probably never be able (or willing) to.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Let's say you were writing an e-mail to a friend about someone you were dating—a very frank and explicit e-mail, brutally listing all their flaws, as well as the things you like about them. Then you accidentally send the e-mail to the person in question. Such a gaffe would very likely be a deal-breaker, but there's a chance you could salvage the situation—by quite simply owning what you said instead of trying to desperately backpedal. It might be hard for you diplomatic Libras to claim your harshest words and feelings, but demonstrating that you can be that honest and real can only work in your favor. If you find yourself in such a situation, try it—it's not as if you have anything to lose.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Scorpios abide by their own set of personalized ethics that don't always perfectly coincide with those popular in modern society. I don't think there's any stopping you from pursuing these activities you so conveniently rationalize as "harmless" (or nearly so), even if they're sketchy. That's fine. Just do everyone else a favor and keep them secret. If you reveal your questionable behaviors, you put other people in the touchy spot of having to be tacit accomplices to whatever you're up to, or having to call you on it. Better to eat your cake in secret, then hide the crumbs.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Perfectly lovely people are still occasionally capable of doing perfectly abominable things when they're under stress. In such circumstances, I'm not suggesting you ought to issue them a free pass, but an isolated incident of bad behavior should probably be met with compassion rather than judgment. Patterns, even emerging ones, should be addressed directly, but the best way to deal with a freak-out is to simply be supportive and help everyone move on. That, my dear, is what friends are for. This week, don't be judge and jury, parent, or critic. Just be a friend.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

What you're up to is a lot like raking dry leaves on a very windy day. Much of your labor is erased by the gusts scattering the piles you've meticulously made. How frustrating! You can of course continue to slog away at the task; given your persistence and determination, you will eventually get it done. But ask yourself: Is this really something that has to be finished today? I know you're leery of excuses to procrastinate, but sometimes, in the name of efficiency and actually accomplishing your goals, your best bet is to put off a task until you can accomplish it without the very elements fighting against you.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Having an opinion is a fine thing (and it's not as though I could stop you). However, sometimes it crosses over into being judgmental, which isn't something likely to bring you joy or do anyone any good. It's perfectly fine to steer clear of an aspect of someone's life that you're not crazy about, but shunning or condemning them for it is just generally a bad idea. Instead, focus on the positive things you enjoy, and change the subject rather than harp on your push-button topics, if you want to avoid pointless unproductive conflict and stress this week—and I can't imagine why you wouldn't.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Symbols are just that: symbols. Invest them with too much meaning and they could obscure the truth of whatever they're supposed to represent. Is a marriage a ring, for example? A ring doesn't make someone less likely to cheat or more likely to be a good partner. Whether or not someone wears your ring might or might not have meaning; instead of getting too caught up on one little thing, take a look at the broader issues behind the symbol you're quietly obsessing about. If things seem sweet otherwise, I'd suggest letting go of this particular symbol; it's ultimately irrelevant.